Welcome to the 15th edition of The Fans Week, your weekly guide to the biggest stories, controversies, and trends shaping the fan experience around the globe.
This week we explore:
🇨🇭 Swiss Women Pioneers Celebrate the Game’s Transformation
From being denied licenses in the 1960s to seeing thousands of registered players today, Switzerland’s women football pioneers share their memories and hopes. We highlight the legacy of Madeleine Boll, the country’s first licensed female player, and how this year’s Women’s Euro represents a powerful moment of recognition and change.
🐶 Meet Maddli, the Mascot of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
Switzerland introduces Maddli, an energetic Saint Bernard puppy named in tribute to Madeleine Boll. More than a cute mascot, Maddli embodies Swiss heritage, inclusivity, and the spirit of the Women’s Euro. Discover how her story connects the country’s past struggles to its ambitions for the future of women’s football.
💰 Europe’s ‘Big Five’ Leagues Reach New Heights
A detailed look at the 2023/24 season finances as the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga all post strong revenues. We break down key figures, from Premier League clubs passing £6 billion in revenue to Ligue 1’s creative funding approaches, showing how football’s commercial power continues to grow across the continent.